2 papers analyzed
These studies suggest thunder is caused by a shockwave from the sudden thermal expansion of plasma in the lightning channel.
The sound of a thunderstorm, commonly known as thunder, has intrigued scientists for centuries. The phenomenon is closely linked to the occurrence of lightning, which involves complex electrical and thermal processes. This synthesis aims to present the key insights from recent research papers on the causes of thunder.
Thermal Expansion of Air: Thunder is primarily caused by the sudden thermal expansion of air due to the extreme heat generated by lightning. The air around the lightning channel heats up to temperatures as high as 30,000 K, causing a rapid expansion that creates a shockwave, which we hear as thunder .
Electrodynamic Forces: Some studies suggest that electrodynamic forces, such as the longitudinal Ampere force and the alpha-torque force, may also play a role in driving the thunder shockwave. However, quantitative agreement on this theory has not yet been achieved.
The primary cause of thunder is the rapid thermal expansion of air due to the intense heat generated by lightning. While there are theories suggesting that electrodynamic forces might also contribute, the consensus remains that the sudden heating and expansion of air are the main drivers of the thunder sound.
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